Zebra Mussels Found in Prior Lake
Prior Lake is the first metropolitan area lake to be infected with the exotic species.
Zebra mussels were first found in Minnesota at Duluth harbor in 1989 and have since taken a strong hold in the Mississippi and St. Criox rivers. They are native to Europe and can decimate native fish and mussel populations besides being a nuance and a mess on a beach. The mussels were discovered in Mille Lacs Lake in 2005, and were feared to soon spread to Lake Minnetonka, the state’s most heavily used lake. Zebra Mussels are carried from one lake to another by clinging to boats and trailers.
Sources:
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/42807872.html?elr=KArksUUUU
http://www.twincities.com/minnesota/ci_12123610